The Kansas City, MO Fire Department is taking a step towards a more sustainable future by transitioning to electric vehicles.
The city announced this week that the fire department will now have 45 new electric vehicles (EVs), including 14 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s, 27 Chevrolet Bolts, and four 150 Ford Lightnings. The light fleet vehicles are assigned to Administrative Chiefs in Management and the Risk Reduction Office, including Fire Inspectors.
The initiative is part of the city’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2040, including transitioning its fleet of vehicles to be all electric by 2030.
In 2021, the city announced its plans to increase its clean energy fleet when City Manager Brian Platt directed that all new municipal fleet purchases for the city must be electric vehicles, when available.
“This is one of the many ways that Kansas City is prioritizing sustainability, not just for our operations but for our city as a whole,” Platt said. “Reducing harmful emissions from vehicles, from buildings, from all the things that happen in the city is one of the many ways that we are helping to improve the quality of life and air in Kansas City.”
The municipal fleet produces approximately 15% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the city’s Office of Environmental Quality.
The city also evaluated the cost savings of switching to EVs. The estimated net savings over the useful life of each EV compared to the gasoline powered counterparts is $14,000 per vehicle, with an estimated total savings of over $600k for this recent set of EVs ordered.
“We are responsible for future generations to think and act sustainably. Transitioning to electric vehicles is one step in fulfilling this commitment,” said Interim Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. “KCFD’s transition to an electric fleet aligns with the city’s wider goals to promote green initiatives and serves as a model for other departments in the region.”
The city council approved the Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan in 2022. You can learn more about the city’s efforts from the Office of Environmental Quality.
